Now and Again (8 page)

But he just held her gaze, his large thumb stroking across her knuckles gently.

“Is there anything you want, boss?” he asked, close to smiling.

Layla swallowed, gathering her courage. Just when she didn’t think she could get the words out, she inhaled a hint of sandalwood from Ben’s cologne, and she took a small fortifying breath.

“I want you to kiss me,” she said softly, surprised by the waver in her voice. The corners of Ben’s mouth quirked up, and Layla worried for a split second that this was all a tease, and he’d say no.

“I thought you’d never ask,” he said in a low tone meant only for her. He leaned his face down to hers and Layla’s insides quivered with anticipation. She’d never been so nervous or expectant with any man, even before sex.

Her lips parted slightly and she wet them, glad she’d popped that breath mint after dinner. She could feel Ben’s warm breath on her lips as long seconds ticked past.

“How do you want me to kiss you?” he asked. Layla pulled her face back an inch, giving him a puzzled expression.

“You know, with your mouth … right now,” she said, a smile in her voice.

“But you’re in charge so you have to tell me … hard or soft? Fast, or slow? Do you want me to bite your lip? Tongue, or no tongue? Hands, or no hands?” His voice was charged with amusement and arousal, and Layla decided he was enjoying this way too much.

As she considered the options, a hot wave of desire ran though her, and she fought to maintain contact with those sensual blue eyes.

“Hard. Slow. Tongue … and hands,” she said.

“Where would you like my hands?”

Layla glared at him. “You’re playing games with me,” she said, looking away. “If you don’t want to—”

“Oh, I want to, Layla. I’ve wanted to for a very long time. But remember, you like being in charge. So … would you like my hands in your hair … against your back … on your ass?”

“Yes,” she breathed. She wanted his hands everywhere all at once. Ben lowered his face to hers again, and she pressed her palms to his chest, stopping him just as she felt the warmth of his mouth nearing hers. “I, uh … I’m not sure if I answered you on biting my lip, and I just wanted to say -- yes.”

His lips met hers immediately, and she reached around his neck, melting against his solid chest. As he wrapped his powerful arms around her tightly, he threaded one of his hands into her hair and moved the other one smoothly down her lower back.

Though she was breathless, she couldn’t force herself to break away. The sensations of his rough stubble against her mouth and his demanding tongue tangling with hers were overwhelming, and so good. Layla wove her fingers into his thick hair, giving a startled moan when Ben’s teeth pulled against her bottom lip just enough to make her want more.

She broke away from him, taking in a deep breath. Her fingers were still in his hair, and she gripped it with surprise as Ben’s arms locked her into him more closely. Layla wondered if she was shaky because she hadn’t kissed anyone in so long or because Ben was just that intense.

“Hey, you guys playing or not?” a round man holding a pool cue asked, raising his eyebrows as he glared. Ben glanced over at him.

“Uh, no, we’re done,” he said, relaxing his hold on Layla.

“I should go,” she said, pushing herself away from his chest. Ben’s face twisted in confusion for a second before he ran a hand down his face.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll take you home,” he said.

“I have my car.”

“I’ll have someone follow us.”

“There’s no need,” she said. “I’m very capable of getting myself home.”

“I know that.” He glared at her. “But with that letter, I just want you to be extra careful. It’s late. I’ll take you.”

“I’ll text you when I get there. Don’t worry about me. Do you have plans tomorrow?”

“I don’t know, do I?” His smile made Layla want to change her mind about him taking her home.

“Let’s hang out at my place,” she said. “We’ll watch movies.”

She slung her purse over her shoulder and gave Ben a puzzled look as he followed her toward the door.

“Are you leaving, too?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Are you going home?”

He considered, then nodded. Realization dawned on Layla.

“Ben, you don’t need to take me home,” she said, raising her brows. “I’m fine.”

“I know you’re just worried you won’t be able to control your desire for me,” he said, grinning.

“Please … You’re so cocky.”

“Bet you can’t wait to find out just how cocky I am,” he said, winking. Layla looked away and laughed, but felt her cheeks warming.

“Just come over at six,” she said.

“I’m following you home,” Ben said, raising a hand to stop her from arguing with him. “You drive your car, I’ll follow in mine, and you can text me when you get inside.”

Layla sighed and shook her head. “I don’t need a big, strong man to take care of me.”

“Will you not bitch about it, just this once? You want me worrying about you all night long?” Ben’s deep voice and serious gaze made her melt a little.

“Okay,” she said. “You can follow me. But what if I discover an ice cream shortage emergency when I get there? Will you go get me some?”

Ben laughed, his eyes glimmering as he looked down at her.

“I don’t have any choice, do I? You’re the boss for now. But I’ll get my chance.”

Layla considered his words as they left the pub. She wanted to feel annoyed by the idea of Ben soon being in control of her, but instead, a shot of desire pooled between her thighs. There was something about knowing he wanted her that made her wonder how long her resolve would last.

***

Her eyes flew open and Layla sucked in a breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She sat up in bed, looking around her darkened bedroom. The familiar silhouettes of her dresser, armchair and the open doorway comforted her. She’d probably just been woken by a bad dream, she told herself as her heart rate slowly returned to normal.

Prince was curled up on his cushion in the corner of the bedroom, obliviously sleeping. Calling him to jump into bed with her would help. She considered it, but stayed frozen. She was afraid to move.

Leaning back against the padded headboard of her bed, she decided to relax her body back into sleep mode. She closed her eyes and remembered the feel of Ben’s lips on hers, and the way his powerful arms had enclosed her. Had the kiss had shaken him like it had her? Not likely. Nothing ever seemed to rattle him.

He’ll be here with me tomorrow night. Well, not here in the bed, but in the apartment. But he’d look so good in my bed… Maybe some innocent making out would be okay. I think I’ve earned it with my saintly abstinence.

She curled her lips up at the thought of his large, powerful body on top of hers. Ben’s broader than broad shoulders, muscular build and sexy smirk made up for seven months of no contact with the opposite sex. She wanted to taste him and feel his soft lips and rough stubble against her mouth again.

The faint whine of a floorboard creaking made Layla’s eyes fly back open. She heard the same noise again, and her heart thudded so hard she felt it in her ears. It was that spot in her living room next to the couch where the wood floor always creaked when someone walked there. Thoughts swirled through her mind.
Call the police. Lock the bedroom door. Find the mace I stuck in my dresser drawer. Scream!

But her terror left her trapped in bed, still and silent. She was afraid to even breathe.  Her eyes were locked on the doorway as she waited for a dark form to appear there.

Minutes passed, and she drew in slow breaths as she waited. Her body trembled when she finally slid her feet over the side of the bed to the floor. She paused to listen, and when she didn’t hear anything, she stood up and walked gingerly to the doorway.

Part of her knew she was being that stupid bitch she hated in the scary movies she loved to watch. She always shook her head with disgust when they went to check things out instead of calling the police. But the light switch was so close, and she reached forward and flipped it up, peering out the doorway into the living room.

Nice, Layla. Now you’ll be able to see who’s murdering you.

She took a deep breath and walked out to the living room, her pulse racing as she fumbled with the switch on a lamp. When she turned it, she exhaled deeply as she surveyed the room. The blue afghan her grandma had made years ago was folded and draped over the back of the couch, as usual. Her Cosmo was still open on the coffee table, where she’d left it before bed.

Everything being in its place gave her the courage to explore the rest of the apartment. The kitchen was as empty and unused as ever, with barren countertops and a light layer of dust on the stove.

“Prince!” she called. “Come on, baby, wake up!”

After a few seconds, he trotted down the short hallway toward her, his eyes drooping.

“Help Mommy check everything out,” she said, bending down to rub his ears. He followed her as she shoved coats aside in the closet and jerked the shower curtain back in the bathroom, exploring every spot a person could hide.

Nothing. So she and Prince were alone in the apartment. Did she just have an overactive imagination? She was tired, and wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed after a double check of the deadbolt.

She squinted at the lock, sure it looked like it was in the upright, unlocked position.

Impossible. I know I locked it.

She stepped closer, an ominous feeling settling over her as she saw that it was unlocked. When she reached for the handle and found it unlocked, too, a chill passed through her.

“Prince,” she called, rushing to the console table where her purse sat and grabbing it. Her dog approached and she scooped him into her arms, rushing out the door.

The feeling of dread didn’t start to fade until she was locked in the car with Prince, driving toward a downtown hotel. There was no way she’d be able to sleep in her apartment tonight.

***

At the sound of the fourth ring on the other end of the line, Ben tapped his foot impatiently on his tiled kitchen floor. Of all the days for his sister not to answer. He really needed to talk to her today.

“Ben, hi! How are you?” she said brightly.

He sighed, relieved. “Hey, Bree. I’m good, how’s England?”

“It’s good. Jack’s workload lightened, so we’ve been seeing him more. The boys like their school. Yeah, it’s good, except for being so far from you.”

“Yeah, I miss you guys,” Ben said, leaning against his kitchen counter.

“So, what’s up? You never call me when nothing’s up.”

“What? I call you just to talk.” His tone was indignant.

“Okay, so are you calling me just to talk?”

“Well, not this time. I met someone, and I’ve been seeing her,” he said.

“That’s great! It’s been so long since you dated anyone. God, like
years
since you had an actual relationship. You haven’t, really, since Steph, have you?”

Ben sighed at the mention of Steph’s name. “No. I’ve taken women out plenty of times, but never a relationship. But Layla and I aren’t in a relationship yet.”

“Yet? So you’d like to be?” Bree prodded.

“I don’t know. She’s different than the women I usually go out with. She’s an attorney, and she’s beautiful. Not just pretty – she’s really beautiful, Bree. But she’s like me.”

“She’s an overbearing asshole?” The smile in his sister’s tone made Ben laugh.

“Well, I wouldn’t use those words, but … she’s not shy. She says what she means. She likes to be in control.”

“John, put that down! No hitting!” Bree scolded one of her young sons. “Sorry, Ben, he was chasing his brother with a fork. So, how does she make you feel?”

Ben folded an arm across his chest as he considered. “Depends what day you ask me. Frustrated, intrigued, happy … She always leaves me wanting more.”

“That’s interesting, coming from you.”

“I know, it seems weird. I’ve never in my life chased a woman until now. If they didn’t come to me, I always figured another one would. But there’s something about her. She’s got this façade of not caring, but I can tell that deep down she wants me to chase her. And damned if I don’t want to catch her.”

“Are you ready for something serious? Is that what you mean?” Bree asked.

“I don’t think so. You know I’m not made that way.”

“I’m not made that way, either, Ben, but Jack’s the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m so glad I gave myself a chance with him,” Bree said.

“You’re better at this stuff than I am. I’m a loner, and I like predictability and order. That’s why I liked being a Marine and why being a detective suits me. I solve a problem, then move on to the next one.”

“Why don’t you talk to her? Tell her what you’re scared of,” Bree said gently.

Ben scoffed. “I’m not scared. I just don’t think I’m a relationship guy, that’s all.”

“Did you tell her about Steph?”

“No, I don’t see why she needs to know about that. Isn’t it bad form to talk about your exes?”

“In this instance, I think you should. Just think about it, okay?”

“Yeah. Hey, I’m all sweaty from lifting and I need to get a shower before I go over to Layla’s.”

“Okay. I’m glad you called, Ben. It’s nice to hear you sound happy. I hope we’re not stuck over here forever, because I miss you so much, and I want my boys to get to know their uncle better.”

“Me too, Bree. I’m proud of you, you know. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she said. “And think about what I said. I’m older and wiser than you.”

“Don’t I know it. Call me sometime, okay?”

“Okay. Have fun tonight.”

As Ben hung up, thoughts of his sister made him smile. He wished the only person who’d always been there for him wasn’t on the other side of the world.

Chapter 5

The light rap on her front door sent a wave of anxiety rushing through Layla’s body. She suddenly wished she’d dressed nicer. Her plaid boxers and gray UIUC law t-shirt seemed like the right choice for movie night when she was getting dressed, but now…